Village of Northbrook Committee of the Whole met May 9
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Village President | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Present | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present | |
| Joy Ebhomielen | Trustee | Absent |
2. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - Committee of the Whole - Apr 25, 2023 6:00 PM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Ebhomielen |
3. PUBLIC COMMENT TIME
Kathleen Sullivan, 4010 Phyllis Road, addressed the Board. She stated that the new construction at 175 Point Drive will have townhomes that overlook her property with little or no relief. She requested mature arborvitae tree landscaping on the east side along with fencing that is above 8 feet in height.
4. DISCUSSION TOPICS
A. Contributions to Community Organizations
President Ciesla opened the meeting with the FY 2023/24 requests for charitable contributions to community non-profit organizations that serve Northbrook residents. This year the Northbrook Historical Society is the recipient of funds from the vehicle sticker program. Representatives from the organizations were present at tonight’s meeting. 501C3 Financial documentation is in the packet. Each representative was given a few moments to summarize how a funding gift would enhance their services. Trustee Ross recused herself from conversation regarding North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic.
Contributions for FY 22/23 Budget
Northbrook Symphony:
∙ Last year’s grant: $10,000
∙ This year’s request: $10,000
Trustee Israel stated that the Symphony is part of the Northbrook fabric. The Northbrook Symphony is waiting on financial paperwork from the IRS due to internal matters. Their final performance for the season is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, 2023. Trustee Ross suggested that the Symphony open a balcony for kids. Consensus was to approve as a place holder $10,000, subject to review of financials and tax status.
GBN Grad Night:
∙ Last year’s grant: $500
∙ This year’s request: $1,500
The purpose of Grad Night is to encourage the graduates in positive and fun activities within the safe space of the school. Trustee Collison noted that the contribution had remained at $500 for many years and the cost of the event has greatly increased due to inflation. Consensus was to grant the request.
North Shore Senior Center
∙ Last year’s grant: $5,000
∙ This year’s request: $5,000
A representative for North Shore Senior Center stated that new funds would be used to help pay the staff that provides their excellent services. North Shore Senior Center served over 1,000 older adults from Northbrook this past year. Their goal is to help people stay in their homes as long as possible. Trustee Hebl stated she would like to see a blurb in the bi-monthly newsletter that addresses elder abuse. Consensus was to grant the request.
Northbrook Historical Society:
∙ Last year’s grant: $25,000
∙ This year’s request: $25,000
Trustee Collison stated that because the Northbrook Historical Society is the recipient of this year’s vehicle sticker she is not sure about awarding an additional $25,000 grant. Ms. Hughes stated that the Historical Society will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and is working on a program. Ms. Hughes stated the additional funding would be used to help maintain their two buildings. The money would be held in a trust. Trustee Collison stated that future conversations need to be held regarding the vehicle sticker designee and addition donations from the Village. Nancy Vaccaro, Counseling Services, stated that the Historical Society is a valuable resource for the Police Department. They provide a place for individuals that have to perform community service. All of the Trustees were supportive. Consensus was to grant the request. Total Link2 Community:
∙ Last year’s grant: $15,000
∙ This year’s request: $15,000
Total Link2 Community is seen as a great community partner. They work with over 100 young adults in the community to support inclusion each year. They fundraise for over 60% of their budget. Consensus was to grant the request.
Family Service Center:
∙ Last year’s grant: $20,000
∙ This year’s request: $20,000
The Board acknowledged the request. There were no questions.
Consensus was to grant the request.
CATCH:
∙ Last year’s grant: $2,500
∙ This year’s request: $2,625
The Board acknowledged the request for a $125 increase. Consensus was to grant the request. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic:
∙ Last year’s grant: $5,000
∙ This year’s request: $7,500
Trustee Ross Recused herself and left the room. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic helps with housing, immigration, and domestic violence. President Ciesla stated many women are controlled physically, emotionally and financially with little to no access to funds. The Clinic has worked on 1,500 cases this year. Immigration is the largest area with the average cost per case being $1,600. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic provides excellent service and is very structured. They are very important to our community. Trustee Collison asked how residents can find out about the Clinic. It was suggested to highlight all of the organizations in the next newsletter. October is domestic violence month, which may be a good opportunity to highlight the organizations. The consensus was to grant the request.
Hunger Resource Network:
∙ Last year’s grant: $2,000
∙ This year’s request: $4,000
There are at GBN over 400 students on free or reduced meal plans. Hunger Resource Network has funds for 160 students. Personal hygiene kits with 200 items plus, per bag, were given to 160 students. The Resource Network has also adopted thirty senior individuals at Crestwood Place. The agency is always looking for volunteers. President Ciesla stated that kids helping kids makes people more empathetic and compassionate. It was suggested that the Hunger Resource Network be a place for individuals to perform community service. Consensus was to grant the request.
The Josselyn Center:
∙ Last year’s grant: $112,000
∙ This year’s request: $125,000
Josselyn Center’s services are available for GBN and GBS students at a clinic located in Glenbrook South High School. Their services have increased 50%. Ms. Vaccaro stated the work Josselyn performs is fabulous. They provide mental health services for highly anxious or depressed kids. They try to empower kids. Medicaid is critical because so many do not have insurance. Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners work at reduced rates. Consensus was to grant the request.
Youth Services:
∙ Last year’s grant: $142,620
∙ This year’s request: $149,750
Ms. Vaccaro stated that Youth Services is a sliding scale agency that offers counseling for individuals and groups. They work in the schools with kids and their families. Consensus was to grant the request.
It was noted the donations would be on the May 23, 2023 Board of Trustee Meeting agenda for approval.
5. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Flamingo Friday kickoff is Friday, May 12, 5-7 p.m. at the Village Hall Back Lot.
Ms. Hughes reported that a student doing research with the Historical Society finished a three year project which will be presented at Rotary on May 15, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. President Ciesla thanked everyone who came to attend tonight’s meeting, especially Ms. Vaccaro and Police Chief Kennedy.
6. CLOSED SESSION
None
7. ADJOURN
On a motion made by Trustee Hebl and seconded by Trustee Ross the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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